Asbestos Causes and Symtoms
We appreciate that many people once diagnosed with a serious condition such as asbestosis like to find out more about the cause and symptoms. This section sets out to provide you with some more information.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural substance that was widely used for a number of purposes due to its hard wearing, heat resistant nature. It has been used widely for insulation. The three main types of asbestos are:
- Crocidolite (Blue) - banned since 1985
- Amosite (Brown) banned since 1985
- Chrysotile (white) almost completely banned since 1999 with a few exceptions.
When is Asbestos Harmful?
Asbestos does not present an immediate risk unless it is disturbed and in a dust form. Asbestos fibres can be found in the air and make up environmental exposure. The environmental exposure levels do not necessarily cause asbestos related illnesses. It is the occupational exposure which is most dangerous. If asbestos materials are broken or disturbed the asbestos fibres enter the lungs and cannot be expelled adequately. They perforate and scar the lung tissue. The condition can take many years (up to 50 years) to develop after first exposure. By then the person or employer who you need to make a claim against may no longer be alive or in business. Pursuing these claims is complicated and is best dealt with by an experienced personal injury solicitor as it is often necessary to try and locate the relevant insurers at the time of exposure. 1stClaims solicitors have many years experience of handling asbestos legal claims.
Asbestos Symptoms
If you or someone you know came into contact with asbestos when it was removed, cut or mixed, it is possible that some damage may have been sustained to the lungs even though you do not necessarily feel that you have any symptoms. It is important that a chest x-ray is be obtained. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should seek the advice of a 1stClaims solicitor. :
- shortness of breath
- persistent cough
- loss of appetite
- Chest tightness
Who can claim for an asbestos conditions?
Because asbestos has been so widely used, generally anyone who can establish that the company who exposed someone to asbestos dust knew or should have known of the dangers, can claim. If your spouse or partner was exposed to asbestos through their working conditions and brought home their clothing to be washed, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim if you have suffered an Asbestos related disease as a result. It is now accepted that second hand exposure, through cleaning and handling a partner's work clothes for example, can also cause these illnesses.
If a member of your family has passed away due to an asbestos related disease, our specialist personal injury lawyers may be able to help you claim compensation on behalf of the estate.
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If you would like 1stClaims' expert Industrial Disease Solicitors on your side please call us free on 0800 2888 693 or complete our Free Claim Enquiry form now and we will be in touch with you very soon.
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News / Articles
24/04/08 - World Champion Rower Killed By Asbestos
13/04/08 Cheltenham man killed by high levels of asbestos
13/04/08 Hartlepool man launches bid for £200,000 compensation
12/04/08 MPs Call on Government to Change Asbestos Compensation Laws
27/03/08 Asbestos Campaigners Take Action On Pleural Plaques Ruling
04/03/08 10 Year Wait For Miners' Compensation
27/02/08 Pleural Plaques Ruling Faces Serious Challenge
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